Creepy dolls that look like little girls left on doorsteps in southern California

Homeowners in southern California have been left feeling thoroughly spooked after finding creepy porcelain dolls left on their doorsteps.

Police said on Thursday that at least eight homes in San Clemente, south east of Los Angeles, were victim to the bizarre stunt, with residents saying they were particularly concerned because the dolls left on their porches bore a resemblance to their daughters.

Orange County Sheriff Lieutenant Jeff Hallock said in a statement that police were as baffled as the residents and have collected the dolls to be examined.

‘We’re examining the dolls in an attempt to identify who may have manufactured them,’ Lt. Hallock told PEOPLE.

‘Are they homemade? Were they purchased at a retailer?

‘Something, some information that will give us the ability to track down who may be responsible for leaving the dolls in front of people’s houses.’

The households targeted have daughters, all around 10 years old, who go to school together.

‘We don’t know if it’s a prank, we don’t know if particular families were specifically motivated or targeted,’ said Hallock.

‘If in fact these dolls were meant to be left at these houses, and the dolls were intended to resemble the young children that live there, there is a concern with that.’